Working at Dejond Metals
Dejond Metals has been synonymous with 'top-quality metal' for 120 years. We owe our success story to our approximately 30 employees and their commitment to delivering fantastic products. Working at Dejond Metals means being part of an informal culture where you can be yourself, with plenty of challenges and opportunities.
Would you like to work for Dejond Metals?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch! Send your CV to jobs@dejond.com. Do you have any questions? Feel free to call us at +32 (0)3/820.35.11.
35 years ago
Back then, Paul De Laut was finding his way in the world of work – and that journey brought him to us. Today, he remains an indispensable part of our Metal Service Center. His story is one of perseverance, growing with the company and always being ready to roll up his sleeves.
“I was still just a kid, and grateful for every opportunity I got,” he recalls. His first workplace? The warehouse, working with copper. When a few colleagues left, a new door opened. Paul moved to the sawing machine, in what was then still known as the ‘découpé’ department – today’s Metal Service Center. “That’s where I really found my place. My knowledge of CNC machines came in handy, although the machines were a lot smaller back then. As a young guy, I wanted to move forward. I dreamed of having a home of my own. And at work, too, I kept expanding my expertise and learning how to operate other machines.”
Today, Paul isn’t tied to just one role. As a machine operator, he can step in wherever he is needed: helping out at the counter, checking stock, occasionally driving the van and filling in for team leader Tom when necessary. “Multifunctional, if I do say so myself,” he laughs. “But about two years ago, I had to undergo major heart surgery. It was an experience that changed my outlook on life. There’s more to life than work, and I have to admit, retirement is starting to sound quite appealing.”
What makes Dejond unique? “The family atmosphere that’s still very much alive here. Bart gave us confidence in the future. People here genuinely work well together, and that’s what really makes the difference.”
From young rookie to trusted expert
25 years with the same employer? There must be something that keeps you there. Just ask Bruno Gielis, our Technical Sales Support. Although, as it happens, he ended up here almost by chance.
Bruno’s first job took him into the banking world. That adventure didn’t last long. Through an acquaintance, he heard that Dejond Metals was looking for new people. He decided to give it a shot – and without knowing it, took the first step in a career that has now lasted 25 years.
“My job has never stayed the same over the years. There was always something new that came my way. I still remember starting out in an administrative role supporting the SAB system for architecture and construction. But that press brake kept catching my eye… And as more and more customers started asking for custom-made profiles and our Metal Service Center continued to take shape, I began focusing on sheet metal processing.”
Over time, Bruno also took on more responsibility. With his technical experience and strong sense of what customers need, he continues to help drive our company forward. “Dejond feels a bit like family to me. You’re given trust and the freedom to take initiative. You don’t have to follow a fixed approach for everything: if you think you can help a customer better in a certain way, you’re given the freedom to do so. And it all starts with listening.”
Team leader with a proven track record
From studying technical mechanics and completing his military service to a few career detours before finding his way to Dejond in Wilrijk… That was the adventure Tom Van Gijsegem embarked on 35 years ago.
“A friend of mine was already working here and really liked it. I was used to working shifts elsewhere, while at Dejond I would be working daytime hours. That sounded pretty good to me. And from then on, things moved quickly, with more and more responsibilities coming my way. When our team leader passed away, I took over his role. Today, the official title is ‘Team Leader Metal Service Center’, but I’d rather call myself a ‘versatile employee’. Yes, I’m the team leader, but I do so much more. And I’m just as happy to jump in the van and make deliveries to our customers. We all complain from time to time and reminisce about the good old days, but in a changing world, it’s the family atmosphere, the people and fair pay that make us enjoy working here. Dejond Metals is, and remains, a great place to work.”
Tom still has a few years ahead of him at Dejond, although he increasingly wants to shift his focus towards enjoying life and making more time for his passion: sport shooting.
All-rounder, 5 years of service
In 2021, our colleague Seppe – the caring one, the photographer – started at Dejond Metals as a warehouse worker, looking for stability close to home. A real luxury: just a 7-minute bike ride away. He began in the warehouse, but after a workplace accident, he transitioned to an office role. Helping to digitalize our company, managing the website and master data, tackling IT challenges… Seppe grew into the role, shaped it to fit him, and above all, was given the opportunity to do so.
What does he appreciate most? “The open communication, the trust, and the flexibility. I feel fortunate to have a tailor-made role. Our director Bart really thinks along with me, and I’m grateful for that. And of course, the colleagues. We get along well and support each other—that’s not something you find everywhere.”
And in the meantime, he’s been on board for 5 years. Curious to see what the future holds. Congratulations, Seppe!
Where the heart belongs
Sometimes people take a different path for a while, only to discover where they truly feel at home. That is the story of Peggy Renders (sales support & backup purchaser) and Agnieszka Sobiczewska (purchaser & backup sales support). Today, they are once again strengthening the Dejond Metals team together – perfectly complementing each other as colleagues and back-ups.
Peggy: “I worked closer to home for a while, but one day my husband said: ‘Why don’t you call Dejond again, because that’s where your heart is.’ And he was right. You won’t find that warm, family-like atmosphere anywhere else – I’ve experienced that myself. People here truly know each other and are there for one another. I also like that doing business in the metal sector is usually very direct and clear, which suits my style.”
Agnieszka: “I came from a large multinational, but here everything feels much closer and more connected. It’s easier to reach out to colleagues, support each other and truly collaborate. That strong team spirit is what makes me want to stay here. Our director is also very approachable and genuinely interested in us. And the fact that there’s an occasional celebration (the 120 years of Dejond was amazing)… that’s definitely a nice bonus.”
A unique job combination
One of the most remarkable careers at Dejond Metals is without doubt that of Marc Willems. He started 22 years ago as a warehouse worker but has since held many different positions within the company. Today, he combines two very distinct roles.
Marc’s journey at Dejond Metals began in 2003, as a warehouse worker. After less than a year, he moved to the pick-up service. “But I longed for more freedom”, he says. “I found it in the role of truck driver. I had never driven a truck before, but I was lucky enough to get the chance to obtain my licence through the organisation.”
For thirteen years, Marc dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his job as a truck driver. Until another door opened: “In 2024, I was offered the opportunity to join the sales team”, he explains. “I grabbed that chance with both hands, even though I didn’t yet have real experience in the field. Still, I wanted to take on the role, because as a driver I was already in daily contact with customers and knew many of them personally. For Dejond Metals, Marc became the perfect link between daily customer interactions and the company’s expertise.
But the truck keys haven’t been hung up for good. “If there’s ever a shortage of drivers, I’m always on stand-by to step in”, he says. “Of course, you need to make a mental switch when temporarily swapping your desk for a truck cabin, but I’m really happy with this combination. I’ve had the freedom within the company to shape my own career path, without anyone ever putting pressure on me. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
Back like they never left
At Dejond Metals, we’re proud of our people. And sometimes… they simply come back! Koen, Dimitri and Ken had worked with us before, went out to explore new horizons, and eventually returned to familiar ground. Why? The atmosphere, the colleagues, the openness – in short, the feeling of coming home.
Koen Vermant started as an accounting intern in 2003 and returned in early 2025 after a brief detour. “It felt as if I’d never really left. The working atmosphere, the teamwork and the fresh energy feel great.”
Dimitri Luyten worked at Dejond Metals as a sales engineer from 1998 to 2021. After a break, he returned in 2024. “I saw plenty of new opportunities. We’re in a strong position with our focus on value-added metals, green roofs and Forster profiles. I want to help drive that forward.”
Ken Frans also returned. After working as an assistant supervisor in 2017–2018, he explored the social sector, but the idea of coming back stayed with him. “The family atmosphere and the freedom to be creative are rare. When the opportunity came up in 2024, I jumped at it.”
What do they have in common? Camaraderie, open communication, humour and a passion for their work. As Koen puts it: “We build lasting relationships – with customers, suppliers and each other. Company culture is everything. And soon, you’ll be able to see our renewed workplace too!”
Frieda and Rita, 25 and 35 years of service!
Curious about what brought them to us and made them stay so long?
Frieda: "After my studies bilingual secretary and 14 years in the tea business, I joined Dejond. It was convenient to have such a large and solid company just around the corner, especially with the increasing traffic jams at the time. After two interviews, it was settled, and I started as a sales support employee. A job I thoroughly enjoyed for 25 years. I’ll retire at the end of 2025. I remember that in the early years, people found it strange that I worked in the metals industry. For many, metals lack appeal. But I have to say, once I got to know the material, it became increasingly fascinating. I experienced a lot of job satisfaction in a pleasant work environment with great colleagues. We’ve evolved into a modern company, where you enjoy a lot of freedom in your job and where you’re appreciated."
Rita: "I wanted to teach with my degree in Germanic languages, but at the start of my career, there was an oversupply of teachers. Finding work wasn’t easy. Then, I happened to be at a reception with my sister, and it was there that I made my first contacts for a job at Dejond. I was hired immediately and started in the sales department for copper. At first, I also thought: a bar of brass, what’s so exciting about that? It didn’t feel like my thing, but that changed quickly. Today, I can say that my heart is full of copper and alloys – such a beautiful material. I progressed to become product manager for the copper division, and today I’m the division manager of metals. I still have 6 years to go, and I’m happy to give my full 200% commitment. The flat structure, the high degree of independence, the trust – these are all reasons why I would recommend young talent to come and work with us. Yes, metals and Dejond Metals are definitely sexy and attractive!"